Mathias Hariyadi

Dozens of houses in six districts of the diocese have been flooded and more than 245 hectares of farmland submerged. About 54,000 people have been affected, including 12,000 displaced. Some 11 churches have become unusable. Bishop Samuel Oton Sidin launches an appeal for aid in response to the emergency. President Jokowi speaks of “extreme” rainfall.

This year’s RUN4U, which was held online due to the pandemic, raised 3.8 billion rupiahs for projects dedicated to people with disabilities, education and health. Cardinal Suharyo also joined in running on his treadmill.

A member of the HKBP in Amansari was targeted. Behind the violence, extremist groups suspect that the house was being used as a place of worship. Advisor to the Minister for Religious Affairs: "Gestures contrary to the principles" of all religions. The Synod of the Protestant Church calls for justice and religious freedom.

Indonesian clerics say they are to be prohibited. They can be used if they comply with certain terms and conditions of Islamic law. The Ijtima Ulama Forum yesterday clarified the contents of the fatwa.

The Indonesian government has claimed that the rate of tree felling has fallen to the lowest ever. Activists have disputed these claims by showing long-term data. Concern for Papua's forest, reduced by at least 19,000 hectares.

The anniversary was celebrated a few days ago with a Mass, whilst a film retracing the history of their presence in the country was screened. For Bishop Mencuccini, the missionaries “have experienced many ups and downs,” but “with the spirit of St. Paul of the Cross”, they were able to cope with them.

The ceremony took place in the Diocese of Timika, scene of separatist violence in the past. The bishop of Bandung led the ceremony in lieu of Bishop Murwito still recovering from COVID-19. One of the newly ordained priests is a Jakarta-born ethnic Chinese whose vocation developed in the daily relationship with Papua natives, especially the little ones.

After an investigation by the Indonesian police, the archbishop of Pontianak released a statement explaining the legality of the Church's microcredit activities. The issue arose following a legal battle between one of the cooperatives and a government-owned bank.

As the island reopens today, doubts remain among local residents. It will take several months before things get back to normal. Tourism represents 54 per cent of Bali's economy. Only 21 per cent of all Indonesians have been fully vaccinated.

Called Ikafite, the group is made of alumni from Universitas Sanata Dharma, a Catholic university. For the cardinal, the group can “contribute in various forms and actions” to the Indonesian Church.

An online meeting was held on International Day of the Girl Child to discuss, among others, the digital education of people of all ages. Minors represent about 26 per cent of active Indonesian Internet users.

The Maria Stella Maris made its maiden voyage last week, a four-hour trip. A group of entrepreneurs from Jakarta gifted the motorboat. For Bishop Murwito, “It is a wonderful act of love”.